‘A Prince’s Tour of India’ Exhibition

The ‘Splendours of the Subcontinent

Wednesday 29th August 2018

The ‘Splendours of the Subcontinent: a Prince's Tour of India 1875-6’ exhibition at The Queen's Gallery, Buckingham Palace is running currently until 14th October 2018, showcasing some of the finest treasures presented to the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII) during his four month tour of India.

The Prince of Wales’ 10,000 mile grand tour of the Indian Subcontinent in 1875 took in parts of Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and India, during which he met more than 90 local rulers and was presented with in excess of 500 gifts. This exhibition tells the tale of his tour through these exotic and beautiful treasures which were presented to him during his visit. The displays incorporate a wide array of objects such as the finest Mughal paintings, ornate jewellery featuring intricately carved gemstones, famous Golconda diamonds and elaborate weaponry.

One highlight from the collection is a magnificent sarpech or turban ornament. Ornaments such as this would have been pinned in pride of place on a prince’s turban, sometimes incorporating a feathered plume. At Berganza we are proud to have amongst our collection an Edwardian diamond set sarpech, attributed to the jewellers Garrard & Co. and once belonging to the Maharaja Yeshwant Rao Holkar II (r. 1926-48) of Indore. This dazzling diamond set turban brooch is automated so that the central diamond set stars rotate- one can imagine how this would produce a mesmerising effect, enhancing the status of the prince.

If you are inspired by such treasures, visit Berganza online or in store to find out more about Indian inspired jewels.